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D. Vats (The University of Texas at Austin), A. Rogers (MIT Haystack Observatory)
The receiver for the Small Radio Telescope (SRT) has been upgraded to a new, digital receiver in order to perform interferometry experiments that are intended for use in the undergraduate classroom. The receiver was tested in a single antenna mode: the 21-cm line of hydrogen and the emission from the OH molecule have been observed. As part of an NSF funded REU program, initial connected element, cross correlation interferometry tests were done using a short baseline of about 50 feet to observe the Sun. During a period of high solar activity in July ‘04, the baseline was increased to about 200 feet. The observed correlation values were modeled. The deviation of the model from the measured correlation values were attributed to the effects of receiver noise, limb brightening and sunspots. Future plans for the SRT interferometer and its use in undergraduate education will also be presented.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.